The reconciliation meeting between the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Friday held in Port Harcourt.
Both men were represented by the teams they selected.
After a heated marathon meeting at the Rivers State Government House, the Committee drove to Wike’s residence to brief him on their deliberation.
Atiku’s team led by Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri is also expected to brief Atiku on issues raised at the meeting.
A source who spoke with ThisNigeria said that discussions would continue on how to harmonise the positions canvassed by the two camps, especially on the Iyorchia Ayu issue.
While Wike’s team reportedly insisted on the sack of Ayu as a first step to meaningful resolution given “his patently partisan position in the primary that produced Atiku”, Atiku’s team proposed that the party dissolves its entire National Working Committee (NWC), not just sacking Ayu.”
“At the end of the meeting, the two teams could not reach an agreement, on the issue” hence the need to consult with their principals,” the source said.
In attendance from Atiku’s team were Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, Senator Eyitayo Jegede, SAN while Wike’s camp was represented by former Attorney General of the Federation, and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN; former governor of Ondo State, Mr Olusegun Mimiko and former Gombe State Governor, Dr Ibrahim Dankwambo and Senator Olaka Nwogu.
ThisNigeria reported that the meeting was earlier slated for Monday, August 15th. However, Atiku’s team cancelled at the last minute to attend the presidential candidate’s homecoming event in Yola.
The meeting is part of efforts to reconcile the two politicians as it is being rumoured that other political parties have been wooing Wike ahead of the 2023 general elections.
He has received visits from high-profile politicians which include presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi; All Progressives Congress (APC) governors; Ekiti State Goveror, Kayode Fayemi with his Lagos and Ondo counterparts, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Rotimi Akeredolu, presidential candidate of NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi among others
PDP Reconciliation: Atiku, Wike Team Meet In Port Harcourt – Politics – Nigeria (nairaland.com)